The Battle of Geffenia

Episode 9

"The Purest Zeal"

"We will meet again…"

"I've wasted too much time in this place. After so many obstacles to destroy them, I've failed miserably. But I must continue; I will increase my power. I will defy the Guardians, I will defy the Gods..."-said Callaghan

He walked towards one of his devoted priests. He looked him and said:
"You come with me. The rest, dismantle the camp and leave... this shall be the perfect battlefield..."

. . . . .

A day have passed since last encounter, the faces were tired, and depressed, but happy to have a friend back. The red clouded sky covered them from the sun rays. Lenan walked towards Mist to retrieve his bag.

"You look pale..."-said Mist.

"Yes, I've began the final ritual long before I finished the training."-said Lenan reaching for a Poison Bottle and drinking it.-"This poison is slowly eating my red blood cells, adapting my body to it."

"You will kill yourself."-said Mist.

"No, I will only reach the limit, 40% poison; my body will fight to produce red cells."-Said Lenan-"The poison is strong... but it will not kill me."

Mist knew it was a reckless idea. He also knew that at this moment, recklessness was the only solution to this battle. He looked back at his friend and said:

"I am not as old as they say."

"I know; you must be close to my age."-Said Lenan-"You just have the greatest teacher..."

"There is one more thing I need to say..."-added Mist-"I am actually a spy. I am the guild master of a guild that gathers secret information."

"The day I saw you in Morroc..."-said Lenan-"You knew about this..."

"Yes, my teacher knew about a planned invasion on this city."-Said Mist-"I was just waiting in Morroc..."

"My mentor... he had a painting in his hideout... very dark and mysterious... it was featured a paladin and an assassin cross. The painting was divided in two: the sun shined on the assassin and the moon protected the paladin. The floor was grey and had blood stains. Behind it were many photos... of killed targets...and a picture of Loki inside Prontera's market."

Mist's first thought was illogical:

"You are telling me that he was going to kill my teacher?"-asked Mist slightly furious.

"No, he killed the stalker that was following you both."-answered Lenan.

"You saw us? How do you know he wasn't alone?"-asked Mist.

"The camera seemed to have a special lens, it revealed you, and you were cloaked."-answered Lenan.

"And that's how you recognized me..."-said Mist.

"The assassin cross and the paladin... my mentor always told me it meant something..."-commented Lenan.

"When the moment comes... the assassin will charge in midday... towards its prey, forgetting about his need to be invisible... but he will not need it, he had already killed the witnesses, for once. The paladin will defeat his enemy without the help of his favorite weapon, recklessness; instead he will gain the force from that which threatened him all his life, for once."-said Mist walking away slowly after deciphering the picture.

"The night... "-thought Lenan.

. . . . .

"You seem to be worried."-said Levitas walking slowly towards Zel.

He did not say a word; instead, his eyes aimed at the beautiful priestess that that was focused on the enigmatic flower. Levitas turned his head. He understood everything.

"She's been different since we arrived here."-said the old wizard.

"War changes people..."-added Zel.

"Let's be serious."-Said Levitas-"You know that it is you..."

Zel could not defend himself... or her. He could not hide his feelings anymore.

"I can see it in her eyes... and in yours too..."-he continued-"I know this is not me... but I cannot deny my thoughts..."

The old wizard touched Zel's shoulder, showing his affection. His daughter continued staring firmly at the rootless flower.

"Just don't break her heart..."-said the worried father.

. . . . .

"I've seen many species... but that flower..."-said Aqua.

"It looks mysterious... some kind of magic is protecting it..."-said Winshley.

Suddenly, Aqua's falcon returned alerting its owner.

"Get ready, everyone!"-He yelled-"We got company."

"I want to fight."-said Mirage smiling.

"You have to sit down this time."-said Lenan.

"Aw, Lenny, you will need me there."-He said-"My ribs are fine!!"

"Those things are Valkyries!!"-yelled Aqua.

"It is for your own good."-added Mist.

"They have come for us..."-said Winshley in a low tone.

Battle Theme: Forever-Dee Dee

From afar, six winged beings approached slowly. A maniacal laugh echoed from a distance. Blue blessed their companions who stood firmly, waiting for the enemy to confront them. Plushe seemed to be frozen, cautiously staring at the incoming beings. Six bewitching maidens approached, destined to do whatever it takes to leave with souls under their control. Their hair was silver-like. Their ebony wings and winged helmets dyed the crimson sky. A dark spear, drenched in blood, intimidated those who stood before them. On the other hand, they carried a shield, a familiar shield...

"Now, that's an interesting shield."-said Aqua.

Everyone stared at Cecil, waiting for an answer. He looked down at his own shield and without wasting time he spoke:

"Yes, I hold a Valkyrie's Shield."-He said-"Long time ago, the former Twilight Brigade guild master fought Randgris, after she was mistakenly summoned by a religious sect in a town we were dispatched. He defeated her, and then he died."

"He died suddenly?"-Asked Gabe-"Then how are we going to kill her now?"

"After some theories, we discovered that the shield had a curse, it killed the person who used it."-Answered Cecil-"No one wanted to wield it, except for me. They thought it would kill everyone... but it could only kill the first person who attempted to use it."

"Atroce could have cut me in half... if it wasn't for this..."-he added

The six maidens surrounded the party in no time. They examined their preys slowly. The leader of them stood before the young knight, filled in rage.

"You... you who possess my shield... do you know my name?"

"It will not be important."-answered Cecil.

"How dare you to defy me!?!?!?!"-She whispered-"I am Randgris, Valkyrie Randgris!!"

The lady noticed the priestess who held the magical flower and laughed lightly.

"What are you laughing about?"-asked Levitas angrily.

"A Valhalla Flower... she will have to die..."-whispered Randgris.

"Do you think I will let you for that? Enough with the introductions..."-yelled Zel charging towards one of them.

He tried to take down the airborne lady, but he missed. He fell back while the rest countered the maidens' dangerous ambush. One of the warrior ladies flew towards the wounded assassin; her spear, filled with confidence aimed at his heart. But the attack was stopped; Lenan stopped the thrust with his Cutluses.

"Mirage, get out of the way... and take Chass with you."-he said while he struggled holding the attack.

"Tell me your name... assassin..."-whispered the lady.

"You will have to torture me for that... Meteor Assault!!"-yelled Lenan.

The winged maiden evaded the attack easily. Suddenly, the maidens reunited themselves. Their evil faces and confusing smiles alerted the party. They began flying in a bizarre pattern and prepared themselves for an ultimate attack.

"Earthquake!!!"

"Oh no, I am leaving."-said Mirage.

"No!"-Thought Mist-"We are done..."

"What?!"-asked Gabe.

"Oh no..."-said Winshley.

"Come on... we have gone this far...and we have to die here?"-thought Aqua.

"Lord, help us."-thought Blue falling on her knees.

Zel rushed towards Plushe, grabbed her, who seemed to not notice the gravity of the situation, and ran with all his strength. The ground shook and ruptured uncontrollably. The sudden release of energy covered the land with dirt. The plain began cracking rapidly forcing the confused party to fall back. The Valkyrie smiled after noting that these mere mortals survived such power.

"Is everyone alright?"-asked Zel.

"Not again, they are Holy property monsters..."-said Winshley.

"She is hypnotized..."-said Mist.

"What?"-asked Levitas.

Lenan looked at his own bag. He remembered Seiai's words. He took the Iron Wrist and Cursed Water bottle out of it. He began walking towards Zel.

"Zel, bring me Chass' Pole Axe."-he said.

"What? Why?"-asked the enraged paladin.

"Just bring it..."-answered Lenan-"Bring it to me."

Zel walked towards Chass' corpse and retrieved the spear with respect. He gave it to the assassin; he had no idea what could he do with it. Lenan grabbed the spear and revealed the Cursed Water.

"Where did you find that?"-asked Aqua.

"Those questions have no answers now."-said Lenan pouring the dark liquid on the tip of the spear.

"Have you been to any city?"-asked Zel.

"No... I had no time..."-answered the assassin.

"You disappeared for one week..."-added Winshley-"You could have been to any city... at least Geffen!"

"Did you ask for reinforcements?"-asked Zel.

"I did not step on any city..."-continued Lenan-"Besides, do you think that an assassin cross who obviously has a bounty over his own head...will head towards the authorities and just ask for help?!?!?!"

"Oh please, help us!! Geffenia is under attack!! Let me rephrase that: Geffenia is being buried!!! You must help us, I implore you!!!"-Said Mirage-"That would be hilarious, having an assassin begs for help."

"Shut up, Mirage..."-yelled Levitas.

The confusion became stronger, but Blue and Gabe could only thought about one option: meeting with a Guardian. Lenan continued splashing the sacrilegious mixture all over the spear. Moments after, malevolent whispers started to emerge from the spear. The voices whispered words like "blood", "death", and the seven deadly sins. Lenan then, handed the enchanted spear to Zel.

"Why did you do that?"-he asked.

"Didn't you hear Winshley?"-Said Lenan-"That thing is a Holy property monster. You have mastered holy property attacks, which logically will not do any help now."

"I won't be able to defeat her with only a Shadow spear..."-said Zel.

"That's right. That's why you will use shield skills, and this."-continued Lenan.

He threw Zel the Iron Wrist. The paladin knew what it was immediately. It would slightly compensate for his inexperience with spears.

"I will only be able to use Shield Smite..."-said Zel.

"It will be enough."-said Lenan.

"Watch out!! They are attacking!!"-yelled Aqua.

Randgris stormed the party ruthlessly. Her barbarous spear pierced the wind and charged towards the young paladin. Lenan moved rapidly in front of Zel and began to whisper in some ancient dialect. A purple glyph began to form before the assassin. The Valkyrie continued its trajectory only to be stopped by the glyph. The assassin countered the attack with the help of his Poison React skill and began his offense. The Valkyrie flew high, and out of their range.

"Zel, you will target the main one, while we keep the rest busy."-said Lenan.

Zel nodded in agreement, and cast Guard, Defender and Reflect.

"So this is it!"-Said Aqua-"Time to test their flying speed!! Falcon Assault!!"

The sniper began running while his falcon chased the battle maidens. Mist used what was left of his last Poison bottle on his death-delivering katars and dashed towards the target. Cecil concentrated his power and accuracy by decreasing his defenses; and dashed with the rest. Blue began her chant increasing the speed and strength of the rest. She looked at Plushe who was still staring at the damned flower with fanatics.

"What happened to her?"-she thought.

Gabe and Winshley stood behind, guarding Plushe and Mirage, recovering their lost energy from the previous battle.

"I guess I should stay behind as well..."-said Levitas.

"You can still use ice walls..."-said Winshley.

"You are right..."-said the old man smiling-"time for me to use my staff and do my best."

He ran behind the offensive wave that was being executed by the rest.

"Weak humans... you are just falling in my trap..."-said Randgris-"Dispell!!"

Randgris began by targeting Cecil, who was followed by Aqua. Mist and Lenan charged at different Valkyries separating them from the group. Zel stood in front of the leading lady, who was caught off guard.

"Shield Smite!!"-yelled the paladin smashing her face.

"Dispell!!"-Whispered Randgris removing the benevolent protecting on the paladin-"Feel my might! Brandish Spear!!"

Randgris swung her abominable spear and smashed Zel's shield. He flew back several steps, coughing blood. He wanted to protect himself, but he knew his opponent had the ability to render those useless.

"Assumptio!! Two-Hand Quicken!!"-whispered Randgris.

Her body began to attain an untainted glow that covered her true intentions. Her weapon grew hungrier.

He stood up; unclear of what he could do... he just needed to figure out a way to win.

"Soul Destroyer!!"-yelled Lenan aiming at one of the Valkyries.

The battle maiden was caught off guard, receiving full damage. Mist dug a hole in front of another Valkyrie who quickly moved towards him, enchanting herself with Assumptio. His clapped his hands; the shockwave delivered by them pushed the earth upwards.

"Grimtooth!!"-he whispered piercing the maiden numerous times.

She continued flying towards him, as if she wasn't disturbed. She arrived to the spot where he was hidden and with her arcane claw, she grabbed him and pulled him out.

"You, mortal, I will destroy you!"-she yelled grabbing his neck.

"Wrong, I will destroy you!!"-Said Mist-"Meteor Assault!!"

The lady released him senselessly, and was pushed back vigorously. He dashed towards her while she was out of balance. His eyes turned black; he was getting prepared for his trump card. The Valkyrie sensed danger immediately and flew upwards trying to get away from him.

"Damn it."-Thought Mist-"Lenan!! I need to reach her!"

"I am somewhat busy right now!!"-he said.

He knew he was fast enough to outmaneuver her but one reckless move could mean the destruction of one of his vital organs. He slid back, hoping to fall closer to his teammate. He approached briskly while he left Venom Dust to cover his escape. Mist jumped over his shoulders and began firing Soul Destroyers to cover Lenan. Lenan squeezed his Autoritive Badge, and concentrated his power on the legs.

"You know I won't be able to jump too high..."-he said while lending the badge to his friend.

"Just try to jump 2 feet above her..."-said Mist pressing it

Lenan leaped upwards while the Valkyrie missed her thrust. Mist squatted to gain more power.

"This is going to hurt... but it is the only way..."-he said.

"Yeah, I know..."-whispered Lenan.

Mist jumped, pushing Lenan downwards with all his strength. He quickly reached his target and began the preparation once again.

"This time, you are mine..."-he said quietly-"Loki's Ultimate Ambush!!!"

The brunet circle of magical knives surrounded the Valkyrie who tried to escape once again.

"You will not run this time."-thought mist grabbing the knives and throwing them at the battle maiden at high speed.

He moved around her attacking her from all sides, piercing and slashing her.

"I can see black fireworks..."-said Mirage smiling.

"That's Mist's attack..."-thought Gabe-"Impressive..."

The second Valkyrie flew behind mist, trying to back stab him. She decided to pierce the circle, but it protected Mist from outside attacks. The knives damaged her, forcing her out in pain. She felt down as if she had no wings, smashing her body. She stood up in agony, and sensed something piercing her back. She turned her head to find what it was. Lenan finished to curse her with his Venom Splasher and ran away. Anger filled her mind, which followed him without thinking. Lenan moved towards Aqua and the Valkyrie he was fighting. Aqua used his falcon wisely, depleting his target's life slowly.

"I won't be able to kill her quickly, and my energy is being wasted..."-thought the sniper.

Lenan continued running towards Aqua, carrying the time bomb with him.

"Come on, fly faster..."-he thought while looking back.

Aqua noticed the assassin approaching his way. It looked suspicious to him.

"Aqua, get back!!"-yelled Lenan.

The sniper obeyed him and retreated while he called the falcon back. Lenan passed by the Valkyrie and slashed her armored chest in the process. A second after, she exploded close to her comrade, dying and wounding her.

"Thank you, Lenny."-Said Aqua-"Time for me to finish her..."

Aqua drew his useless composite bow out, and aimed at the injured Valkyrie. His wooden bow began to turn brighter and bigger. An arrow began to materialize itself quickly, releasing a strong light that blinded everyone close by.

"Eat this!!"-He yelled-"The Dance of a Thousand Thorns!!!"
Aqua fired his arrow at the war damsel without thinking twice. The magical arrow divided itself into thousands constantly piercing through the defenseless body of the Valkyrie. Blue ran towards mist in order to stop his bleeding. Cecil engaged his target. He waited patiently for her to grow anxious.
"Come on, aren't you going to stab me to death, Chooser of the Slain?"-said Cecil.
"You arrogant human!! Take this!! Sonic Blow!!"-yelled the Valkyrie.
"Spiral Pierce!!"-responded the knight.
Both attacked each other without flinching. The maiden fell back in order to build speed for her next attack. She screamed as hard as her lungs permitted her and flew towards him. He waited for the right moment, and then evaded the assault by jumping with the help of his Halberd. He landed on his feet and turned around to face the Valkyrie but something was not right.
"Damn it! She is coming right for us!"-yelled Winshley.
Cecil threw his spear at her, hoping to stop her before it was too late. However, he missed; and ran towards the spear to retrieve it. The wizards stood up and began casting layers of Ice Walls to protect themselves from the reckless charge. The Valkyrie pierced through easily, alerting Gabe who quickly grabbed Mirage and Chass, and began running away. The Valkyrie stood in front of the wizards and Plushe and began swinging her spear gathering energy.
"Pulse Strike!!"-she said scattering the trio.
Plushe stood up as if nothing happened and continued staring at the flower.
"She is being hypnotized...."-thought Lenan-"Plushe, wake up!!"
His screams could not wake her out of the spell. He ran towards where the rest were, followed by Aqua and Mist. Cecil threw his spear once again, piercing the war damsel's right wing. The maiden's cry overflowed everyone's ears. She rushed towards the unarmed knight and slashed him with her monstrous claw. Then she turned around looking for her next target. She identified the two weakened assassins and dashed towards.
"We won't escape..."-said Mirage-"she is too fast and I am slowing you. Leave me here, I will defend myself."
"I can't do it."-Said Gabe-"Chass's corpse is slowing me too. Just attack her while we run."
"Right..."-answered Mirage.
He drew his Haedonggum and began launching Soul Destroyers. He missed several of his attacks, only dealing minimal damage.
"Damn, even with a broken wing, she can still be pretty nimble..."-thought Aqua.
"Lenan, try taking her down from afar!"-said Mist.
Lenan stopped sprinting and aimed at her head while his companions continued the chase. His swords glowed purple. He swung his arm releasing two waves, forming a cross. The waves sliced the air freely, damaging her left wing.
"Damn it...I am too far..."-thought Lenan.
"She is closing in..."-said Gabe.
"Leave me here..."-said Mirage-"Now!!"
Gabe wanted to disobey, but the only way he could defend himself was attacking the enemy; and he needed both his hands to do it. He dropped his colleague and stood his ground. His Specialty Jurs never looked this keen-edged before.
"Sonic Blow!!"-he yelled.
The Valkyrie thrust his left shoulder and grabbed him from his neck, trying to strangle him.
"You will die, but you will not enter the Halls of Valhalla."-she said smiling.
Suddenly, her face showed a surprised expression after the sound of a blade mysteriously slashed skin. Blood began to drop from her neck, showing a clear cut; and her head fell off. Gabe released himself from the evil hand and saw Mirage struggling to maintain himself standing, but with blood drenching his blade, and a smile in his face.
"Sorry, had to do it."-he said.
Zel continued attacking Randgris but his attacks were limited, even though he had elemental advantage.
"Power Up!!"-she whispered-"Now that your friends have killed my maidens, I will take your soul."
"Wasn't that what you intended to do from the very beginning?"-asked Zel.
The fight favored the fallen angel. Zel gasped for air, and that worried Blue.
"Hang in there!"-she yelled-"Heal!!"
"He he... It is amazing how powerful the flower that she is holding... is hypnotizing beauty in for of a plant..."-said Randgris.
Zel turned around impulsively, to stare at her. He then noticed that it was all a trap. It was too late; he felt the magical spear piercing his back.
"Oh no... Zel..."-thought Blue-"I must do something."
She had no energy left to heal his wounds. She ran towards Plushe and tried to free her from the spell.
"Plushe, wake up!"-She yelled bursting in tears-"You must heal Zel, please."
The priestess remained silent, as if she was deaf. Blue's words could not persuade her. Abruptly, Blue slapped her, still crying. Plushe slowly touched her own face while her eyes shifted towards the young girl. The flower in her hand began to rapidly lose its colors and wilt away. She looked at Blue, confused, and dropped the remains of the flower.
"I am sorry..."-said Blue-"Help Zel."
Plushe looked for Zel with her eyes, half filled with hope. The other half was fear. Tears covered her delightful eyes the moment she discovered the truth.
"Noooooooooooooo..."-she screamed-"Zeeeelllllllllllllllllllll!!!!"
Randgris quickly teleported herself in front of the defenseless priestesses. The rest of the party ran to help them but they were not able to.
"Lord of Vermillion!!"-yelled Randgris paralyzing them.
"Zel, help meeeeee..."-cried Plushe.

"My strength is fading..."-thought Zel-"Plushe... forgive me..."

He slowly became trapped inside a chamber of dead air, isolated. He thought that Death had already invited him to stay, he felt no pain. He sensed no wind. Suddenly a known voice breached his state.

"Hello there, young brother."-said a mysterious voice.

"Is that you, Chaos?"-Asked the paladin-"why are you in my head again? Everything is so dark."

"I am here to remind you that you cannot die."-said Chaos.

"It can't be helped. I am defeated."-said Zel releasing a tear.

"Defeated? Like we were when we escaped Lighthalzen Biolabs?"-Said Chaos-"Stop crying, and stand up"

"I cannot!!"-yelled Zel.

Zel felt a force approaching to him at high speed, he felt a hand grabbing his neck and lifting him up. Slowly, he could recognize his older brother. Five spirit spheres surrounded his silver haired head. He could remember his dark eyes as if it was yesterday. They pierced his soul; he wanted to be there.

"You need to stop your pessimistic attitude."-said Chaos.

"You need to stop trying to tell me what to do via telepathy... and reading my thoughts"-said Zel.

"I do it for your own good, brother."-He said-"Now, go, and save your lady."

"I can perceive your anger..."-said Zel-"I can grasp it as if it were a jagged sword."

Chaos' voice faded slowly echoing his last words:

"Then use that jagged sword and oust your enemies..."

Zel opened his eyes; he could feel the immense pain delivered by the Valkyries. He commenced to gather forces to continue. The smell of rotten blood and filthy air filled his lungs. He grabbed Chass' Pole Axe which helped him stand up. He looked up and distinguished Plushe surrounded by the dark battle maidens. The thought of seeing her life being tormented, and his brother's words boiled his blood. He dropped his weighty shield, and held the spear with both hands. He pointed his finger at the lady he was determined to protect with his life.

"I, Zelgadis, swear to put my life in danger to protect that which I venerate most... "-He yelled-"I thought ill never use this again... Tyr's Oath!!!"

Plushe's and Zel's lives were linked without delay. The Valkyrie attacked the priestess with no vacillation. A magical barrier stopped that attack on the defenseless lady.

"What's happening?"-she thought.

She stared at Zel who stood not far away. She could notice how the attacks affected him instead of damaging her.

"Damn you, paladin!!"-yelled Randgris.

"Every time you threaten her life, I take the damage in her place."-Said Zel-"And my speed, defense, and strength increase for every drop of blood you take from me..."

He immediately dashed towards the Valkyrie piercing her belly.
"Can you feel it? Can you feel the shadows inside you?"-He asked-"You will pay for harming her."
Zel stabbed and hacked Randgris hastily and continuously. He, then, stabbed her chest, piercing her armor and sending her flying high. He jumped as high as he could, and floated lightly in front of his rival. His body covered the blood colored sun while small white particles of light started gathering around his back, forming angel wings for an instance; pure white angel wings.
"You should have never come."-said Zel angrily-"I hope you can go back, and tell Callaghan that he is finished."
"That will not be needed."-said the Valkyrie.
The wings disappeared quickly after Zel slashed the damsel into two symmetrical halves and descended escorted by the agonizing cry of the dead. From the ashes of both the Valkyrie and the flower, a bell shaped and yellow colored fruit was ripened. He dropped the Pole Axe and fell on one knee while he reached for the berry. Plushe ran towards him and helped him stand up.
"Plushe... I..."
"Don't say a word...."
The tender feeling of her scarlet lips filled his body, causing his hair to stand on end. Her hugs fueled his forces. The way she looked into his eyes, it made him believe that they will get through this inferno... no matter what.
"Aw, I am getting jealous..."-said Mirage joking.
"Idiot..."-said Levitas looking at him.
Aqua looked at the horizon with a serious face, which alerted the rest.
"What's wrong?"-asked Mist.
"He is here..."-answered Aqua.